Red Hood Outlaw #48
DC Comics
Written by: Scott Lobdell
Art by: Brett Booth
Inks by: Danny Miki
Colors by: Arif Prianto
Letters by: Troy Peteri
Whether it’s been the artwork or the story itself, the Red Hood Outlaw era has been a mixed bag. The return of Artemis and Bizarro helped move things back in the right direction, and the Red Hood-Batwoman team-up early in the process was something that could’ve been more fun if it lasted longer.
But there’s been nothing in this run with Jason Todd like Red Hood Outlaw #48.
Best issue since the name change in the title. Aside from the fact he’s still going by Batman’s code — sort of — this is what solo Red Hood should look like.
Non-stop action, mowing down whoever stands in his way. Not sure what’s taken so long to get back to this point, but at least we’re here now.
A big factor in the quality of this issue is the artwork. Brett Booth and Danny Miki have drawn the definitive Outlaw Red Hood.
(WARNING: Spoilers for Red Hood Outlaw #48 ahead.)
I was taken aback by the first image we see of Red Hood. First thing I asked myself: “Why haven’t we seen Red Hood on a motorcycle more often?” It made perfect sense and set the tone for this high-octane chapter of the Red Hood Outlaw story.
Having read Nightwing #73, I was a bit confused about the timing of Dick Grayson and Punchline’s involvement in Red Hood Outlaw #48. However, the action was awesome, so I can’t complain too much.
One other complaint: why did Joker use a fake Joker’s Daughter? Maybe at least wait until next issue to tell us that was a decoy? Not that I want to see her bite the dust, but introducing her then telling the reader she was a fake right away takes away from the emotion a bit.
Still, the allusion to Jason Todd’s death was powerful. Shows how much he’s grown since he came back to life.